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Hairdresser 'Kenneth' Battelle dies at age 86

By SAMANTHA CRITCHELL AP Fashion Writer

Posted:
05/14/2013 01:59:12 PM MDT

Updated:
05/14/2013 01:59:12 PM MDT

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FILE - This Jan. 20, 1961 file photo shows President John F. Kennedy and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy as they attend one of five inaugural balls in Washington. Kenneth Battelle, the hairdresser who gave both Jackie Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe their calling-card hairdos in the 1950s and '60s, died at his home in Wappinger's Falls, N.Y. on Sunday, May 12, 2013. He was 86. Battelle made a splash in the worlds of fashion, celebrity and socialites with his style of movement and shine, instead of the stiffer looks that had been popular with the previous generation.

NEW YORK—Kenneth Battelle, the hairdresser who gave both Jacqueline Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe their calling-card hairdos in the 1950s and '60s, has died at age 86, said Kevin Lee, creative director of Battelle's company, on Tuesday.

Lee said Battelle died Sunday at his home in Wappingers Falls, N.Y. He said Battelle will be remembered for "creating modern-day hair."

Battelle made a splash in the worlds of fashion, celebrity and socialites with his style of movement and shine instead of the stiffer looks that were popular with the previous generation. He was one of the first hairdressers to launch a product line—and to be known almost exclusively by his first name.

Battelle was born in Syracuse, N.Y. His company has a salon on Park Avenue in New York City.